We arrived at Camp Compingin on Dawson Island on the afternoon of 11 September. We knew that we had been arrested that morning, and we knew nothing else yet. The next day, another group of prisoners arrived.They told us that Salvador Allende had died. We paid tribute to him around a bonfire. It was deeply meaningful.

We were taken for forced labour to build Río Chico, the other detention camp on Dawson Island. José sang “Balderrama” over and over again. It has the verse “where will we end up if Balderrama is shut down”. This was the truth, because none of us knew where we would end up.

Published on: 16 October 2015

Along the banks of the canalwhen morning breaksthe night comes out singingfrom Balderrama.Inside, everything quakesthe drum beating the baguala*excitement blazesas sparks fly from the guitar.Lonely, bright morning starsprout of dawnwhere will we end upif Balderrama is put out.If you start singinga coachman will keep you companyand in every glass of winethe morning star shimmers.Daybreak zamba**Balderrama's lullaby,it sings at midnightit weeps at dawn.

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